#61 LW Ethan Belchetz, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), 6’5” 226lbs, L, DOB 03.30.2008
Belchetz was a dominant physical and offensive presence in Windsor’s win over Niagara, leveraging his size and strength to control possession and create scoring chances. The 6’5” winger played with confidence and purpose, using his frame to protect the puck and dictate play down low.
Belchetz’s skating looked balanced and efficient but not explosive, he managed his pace well and used good turns along the boards to maintain possession and separate from defenders. His strong puck control allowed him to hold onto the puck in traffic and make solid, well-timed passes, including a crisp saucer pass through the slot to create a prime scoring chance. He was impactful on the power play, where his combination of size, puck skills, and shooting ability stood out. Positioned in and around the slot, he showcased a powerful and accurate wrist shot, capping off his performance with a highlight-reel goal, he got a perfect pass that sent him on a breakaway and he buried a beautiful wrist shot under the goalie’s blocker. Defensively, he showed good work down low and contributed to winning puck battles along the walls. His net-front presence added value on the power play, as he effectively screened the goalie and got rebounds. His physicality was evident all night. He leaned on defenders, played with strength, and didn’t shy away from contact. He continues to prove himself as a power forward with a complete offensive toolkit. His ability to combine size, skill, and finishing touch makes him a matchup problem for defenders. Belchetz’s performance against Niagara highlighted his strengths, net-front dominance, puck protection, and a lethal wrist shot. While his speed is average, his stride efficiency and hockey sense allow him to remain effective at both ends of the ice. With continued consistency and engagement, Belchetz projects as a top-six power forward capable of producing offence and setting the tone physically. Projects as a top 6 winger who can thrive on the power play as a net-front finisher
Skater Category Summarization
Skating: 7
Speed/Pace: 7
Puck Skill: 7
Scoring Ability: 7.5
Playmaking Ability: 7
Hockey Sense/IQ: 6.5
Character: 6
Physicality: 8
Defensive Play: 6